In PHP, what are the advantages of specifying the columns in an INSERT statement when adding data to a database table, and how does it improve code readability and maintainability?

Specifying the columns in an INSERT statement when adding data to a database table in PHP has several advantages. It improves code readability by clearly indicating which columns are being populated with data, making it easier to understand the intent of the query. Additionally, it enhances maintainability by reducing the chances of errors when modifying the table structure or adding/removing columns in the future.

// Specify columns in the INSERT statement for better readability and maintainability
$sql = "INSERT INTO table_name (column1, column2, column3) VALUES (:value1, :value2, :value3)";
$stmt = $pdo->prepare($sql);
$stmt->bindParam(':value1', $value1);
$stmt->bindParam(':value2', $value2);
$stmt->bindParam(':value3', $value3);
$stmt->execute();